Soap holding device



Aug. 14, 1934. F. B. MORRISON SOAP HOLDING DEVICE Filed NOV. 25. 1932 INVENTQR. Frank 5 Mar/150m ATTORNEYS.

Patented Aug. 14 i934 tartan 59A? HQLDING DEVECE Frank E. Morrison, Marion, @hio, assignor to ills dc Morrison, Marion, ()liio Application November 25, 1932, Serial No. 644,286

7 Claims.

My invention relates to a soap-holding device. It has to do, more particularly, with a device adapted to be used for holding shaving soap so that it may be applied to the face, preparatory 5 to shaving, in a very eficient and very economical manner.

It is a well known fact, that in recent years the use of shaving soap has declined considerably, due to the disadvantages present the use of such soap. Various kinds or" shaving crearns have come into wide use in the past few years and have replaced shaving soaps to a considerable extent. However, the use of shaving creams is also possessed of many undesirable features.

In the first place, the initial cost of shaving cream is very great in comparison with the cost of shaving soap, made in cake form to be used in a mug or other r ceptacle. ally come in tubes and each time it is Shaving creams usudesired to use a portion of the cream from a tube, it is necesto first remove the closure therefrom.

tube, generally, each time the cream is used a portion of it is wasted. Likewise, many times when the cream is being removed from the tube it drops from the tube or from the surface on which it is deposited.

As previously stated, the use of soap, in the customary way, for shaving, is also possessed of various disadvantages. For example, when shaving soap is used in the customary way, it is necessary to use a mug or other such receptacle for containing the soap. Obviously, the

use of a mug is very unsanitary and it is necessary to fre quently sterilize and clean the mug.

Furthermore, it is dlfilClllt to handle the mug or other container and it is difficult to pack it into a traveling bag.

Som water is usually left in the mug after it has been washed and this causes the cake of soap to become soggy and, if it does partially dry out, causes it to break up into small bits.

Then, too, when shaving soap is used in a mug it requires considerable time to work up a lather and it is necessary to make up more lather than is actually needed. Then when the mug is cleaned out this excess lather is removed therefrom. Consequently there is a continual waste of soap.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide a device, the use of which will eliminate all the undesirable features heretofore connected with the use of shaving soap.

Another object or" my invention is to provide a device which will render the use of shaving soap more desirable than the use of shaving creams or other such substances.

Another object 0i my invention is to provide a device, for holding soap, which is of such a type that the soap may be readily applied to the face in eiicient and very economical manner.

In its preferred form, my invention comprises a base portion which is of such a shape that it may be readily grasped in the hand. This base por tion is preferably made or" glass or any non-absorbent, non-corrosive material, so that it may be readily cleaned, and is of such a size and shape that it serves as a standard on which the cake of soap may be supported. Furthermore, when the cake of soap is supported thereon, the standard may occupy an upright position and will not tend to tip over because of the weight and shape of such standard. For supporting the soap on the upper end or" the base portion, I provide a saddle on which the soap is to rest. The soap is held on such saddle by means of a pair or tongs adapted to grip the cake of soap and retain it thereon. These tongs are adjustable to grip the cake of soap or to release the soap to permit the removal thereof. I also preferably form the base portion of the device in such a manner that a hone is produced on one or more surfaces thereof, which may be used for sharpening razor blades.

The preferred embodiment of my invention is shown in the accompanying drawing wherein similar characters of reference designate corresponding parts and wherein:

Figure l is a perspective View of a soap holder made in accordance with my invention.

Figure 2 is a vertical section taken on line 22 of Fi ure 1.

Figure 3 is a vertical section taken on line 33 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a horizontal section taken along the line ii of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a section taken along the line 55 of Figure l and showing how the side of the base portion or" my device may be formed so as to produce a hone thereon.

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a cake of shaving soap mounted on my device.

Figure '7 is a perspective view showing how my device may be used in applying soap to the face.

With reference to the drawing, my shaving soap holder is shown as comprising a base portion 1. This base portion 1 is also adapted to serve as the handle for my device. The base portion 1 is preferably made of rectangular or other angular cross-section so that it may be readily grasped in the hand and will not tend to turn therein. As shown in the drawing, the base portion 1 is preferably greater in cross section at its bottom than it is at its top. Consequently, all the side walls thereof are gradually inclined. inwardly from the bottom to the top thereof.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawing, the base portion 1 of my device is preferably made hollow so that a chamber 2 is formed therein, and this chamber extends substantially the entire height thereof. The base portion 1 is preferably made of glass or other non absorbent, non-corrosive material which may be readily cleaned. The base is of such a weight that it will not tend to tip over a hen a cake of soap is mounted thereon, as will be later more fully explained. Adjacent the lower end of the base portion 1, a transverse wall 3 is disposed. This wall 3 is adapted to serve as the bottom for the chamber 2 and is integrally joined to the side walls of the base portion 1.

The wall 3 is slightly spaced above the lower edge of the base portion 1 so that a flange 4 is formed on the lower edge thereof. This flange preferably extends entirely around the base portion 1 and is adapted to contact with the surface on which my device is disposed and to support my device in an upright position thereon. The flange 4 projects downwardly a suihcient distance to form a chamber 5 of considerable height beneath the base portion of my device. This cha r-- ber is provided for a purpose which will be hereinafter apparent. As shown in the drawing, all of the edges of the base portion 1 and the corners at the junction of the wall 3 with the side walls of the base portion, are rounded so that they will not injure the hands of the person using the device and so that the device may be readily cleaned.

A saddle 6 is adapted to be mounted. on the upper open end of the base portion 1 and is so adapted that a cake of soap may be supported thereon in a manner which will be hereinafter explained. This saddle is preferably formed of the same material of which the base portion 1 is composed. The saddle 6 comprises 21 depending reduced portion '7 which is adapted to extend down into the open end of the base portion 1. This saddle is also provided with an enlarged portion 8 having outwardly extending portions 9 at each end thereof. These portions 9 are adapted to rest on the upper end of the base portion 1.

The saddle 6 may be secured in position, by cementing it or securing it in any other suitable manner, to the upper edge of the base portion 1. The saddle 6 is preferably slightly less in width than the inside width of the upper end of the base portion 1 and is so disposed that a space 10 is produced at each side of the saddle between the side edges thereof and the walls of the base. The side edges of the saddle member 6 are also inclined as at 11 for a purpose which will be hereinafter apparent.

The upper surface of the saddle member 6 is preferably inwardly curved throughout its length as at 12 (Figure 2), in order to produce a saddle in which the edge of the cake of soap S may rest. It will be understood that since this saddle is curved as shown, a cake of shaving soap, which is commonly manufactured in circular or oval shape, may be more readily seated thereon. However, it will be apparent that a square or angular- 1y shaped bar of soap could also be efiectively mounted on my device. It will also be apparent that it is not necessary to provide a saddle of the particular shape shown but that the shape thereof may be varied.

The transverse wall 3 is preferably provided with a centrally disposed aperture 13. A boss l l is formed on the lower surface of this wall and the opening 13 also extends therethrough. This opening 13 is adapted to receive a bolt 15 which is inserted therethrough and which eX- tends upwardly to a point adjacent to the upper end of chamber 2. The lower end of the bolt 15 is provided with a wing nut 16 or other such device which is keyed to or made a part of the end thereof and which is mounted in contact with the boss 14. This member 16 is adapted to be utilized for turning the bolt 15. The upper end of the bolt is preferably disposed in a socket 17 disposed on the lower surface of the saddle member 6. This socket member 17 is adapted to serve as a bearing for the upper end of the bolt 15.

The upper portion of the bolt 15 is threaded as at 18 and this threaded portion is adapted to receive a threaded nut 19 which is mounted thereon. The upper end of this bolt 15 is further provided with a stop pin 20 which will prevent upward movement of the nut on the bolt to an undesirable extent. However, other forms of stops may be provided. A compression spring 1 is disposed in surrounding relation to the bolt 15. This compression spring has its lower end abutting against the upper surface of the transverse wall 3 and its upper end abutting against one of the tongs of the tong members which are adapted to retain the cake of soap on my device.

As previously stated, the tongs are adapted to grip the soap and to hold it in position on the saddle 6. The tong members comprise a pair of tongs 22, both of which may be identical in structure so that they may be interchangeable, and which are preferably made of stainless steel. Each of these tongs comprises a body portion 23 which is bent to form inwardly projecting arms 24 at the lower end thereof, and may be so formed that when the tongs move out the action of the spring is such that they spread apart. These arms 24 are provided with openings 25 through which the bolt 15 is adapted to pass. As shown in Figure 3, one of the arms 24 is disposed above the other arm 24. The nut 19 on the bolt 15 is disposed above the uppermost arm 24 or may be a part of the uppermost arm 24 while the upper end of the spring 21 contacts with the lowermost arm 24.

The tongs 22 pass upwardly from the inside of the base portion 1 and outwardly through the spaces 10 between the side edges of the saddle member 6 and the walls of the base. As clearly shown in Figure 3, the main portions 23 of the tongs are inclined outwardly. However, the uppermost ends of the body portions 23 are bent inwardly at sharp angles to form inwardly projecting arms 26. The ends of these arms 25 are adapted to contact with the side surfaces of the cake of soap. If desired, the outermost edges of the arms 25 may be serrated as at 26, so that they will more effectively grip the soap a though it is not necessary to serrate the said edges since the tong members will firmly grip the soap. Although I have described and shown the tong member as being made in two pieces, it may be made of one flexible piece of stainless steel or other metal.

As shown clearly in Figures 1, 4, 5 and 5, it may be desirable to produce a hone 27 on one or more surfaces of the base portion 1 so that razor blades may be sharpened thereon. In the drawing, I have shown a hone formed on two sides of the base portion, but it may be formed on as many sides as desired. To form this hone, I provide an identation 28 (Figure 5) formed on one surface of the base portion 1. As shown in Figure 1, one of the surfaces of the base portion 1 is provided with a flat V-shaped portion 29. Extending outwardly towards the edges of the base portion 1 and away from the edges of this fiat V-shaped portion 29 are inclined surfaces 30. These surfaces 39 extend to a point adjacent to the outer edges of the base portion 1. Furthermore, these surfaces 39 are inclined a predetermined amount so that the razor blades will be properly sharpened. On each side of the base portion 1 which is provided with a hone 27, a rib 4' is formed at the upper edge of the base portion. This rib 4' serves as a reinforcement for the upper edge of the side on which the hone is disposed, and which might be weakened by forming the V-shaped depression therein.

In order to sharpen a blade on the hone 27, the base portion 1 is first placed on its side. Then as shown in Figure 5 the blade B is placed on the hone with the cutting edges thereof in contact with the inclined surfaces 30. To sharpen the blade, it is merely necessary to move it around with a circular motion until it has been sufficiently sharpened.

When it is desired to mount a cake of soap on my device, the soap is first placed on the upper surface of the saddle member 6. Previous to this, however, the tongs of the tong member are spread apart. In order to spread the tongs apart it necessary to rotate the wing nut 16, in the proper direction, and thereby cause rotation of bolt 15. When the bolt 15 is rotated it will cause the nut 19 to move longitudinally on the threaded portion thereof. Rotation of the bolt will not cause rotation of the square nut 19 because the edges thereof will contact with the inner surfaces of the portion 23 of the tongs and preclude further rotation of such nut.

When the bolt is rotated in the proper direction, it causes nut 19 to move upwardly thereon. This permits the spring 21 to force the tong members upwardly on the bolt and consequently to force their outer ends further apart so that the cake of soap may be inserted between the outer ends of the arms 26. It will be apparent that the wedging action exerted on the tong members by saddle member 6, causes the tong members to spread apart when forced upwardly by the spring 21. The saddle member also permits the tongs to come closer together when drawn downwar ly. The stop as will prevent the nut 19 from moving upwardly an undesirable extent.

in order to grip the cake of soap and hold it on the saddle 6, the wing nut 16 is employed for rotating the bolt 15 in the opposite direction. This will cause the nut 19 to move downwardly on the threaded bolt 15, and since this nut is disposed above the arms 24 of the tongs it will force the tongs downwardly along the bolt 15. Consequently this will cause the arms 26 of the tongs to move downwardly and inwardly, to come closer together and to approach a horizontal position until they firmly grip the cake of soap. Furthermore, since a downward pull is exerted on the tongs it will cause them to draw the cake of soap downwardly into firm contact with the upper surface of the saddle.

When it is desired to use my device, the cake of soap is mounted thereon in the manner previ ously described. Then as shown in Figure 7, the base portion of the device is grasped in the hand and this base portion serves as a handle. Then the soap is preferably rubbed over the face while the soap is still dry. Then a wet brush may be used to work up a lather on the face. However, it will be understood that either the face or the soap or both may be wet when my device is used. Also, other methods which are particularly suitable for the user may be employed for applying the soap to the face with my device.

It will be understood that when the device is disposed in an upright position as shown in Figure 6, there will be no tendency for it to tip due to the fact that it is comparatively heavy and has a comparatively large base. Thus, the cake of soap will always remain clean. The flange 4 will support the device on the surface on which it is placed and since the chamber 5 is formed therebeneath the wing nut 16 will not contact with the surface on which the device is supported.

It will also be apparent that a cake of soap may be readily applied to or removed from my device with a minimum of difficulty and in a very short time.

From the above description, it will be readily seen that I have provided a device, the use of which eliminates all the undesirabilities heretofore encountered in using shaving soap. With this device the soap may be applied to the face in a very emcient, economical and satisfactory manner. Furthermore, my device is extremely sanitary and may be readily cleaned. It will also be obvious that the particular form of my device which I have shown may be modified in order that it may be more readily used for holding cakes of soap and similar articles of various shapes, and for various purposes. However. the device shown will effectively hold any of the various shapes of shaving soap which are now commonly manufactured.

Although I have described my device as being useful for holding a cake of shaving soap, it will be understood that its use is not limited to this but that it may be used for various other purposes.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. A soap holder comprising a base member adapted to serve as a handle member, said base member being hollow and of angular crosssection and gradually increasing in cross-section from its upper to its lower end, said base member being of such a structure and of such a weight that it may be disposed in upright position without tipping when a cake of soap is mounted thereon, a saddle member on the upper end of said base member and having a concave surface on which the cake of soap is adapted to rest, said saddle member having two of its side edges spaced from the walls of said base member so that a pair of slots is formed therebetween, the edges of said saddle member adjacent said slots being downwardly and inwardly inclined, a pair of arm members extending down through said slots and being inclined substantially at the same degree as the said edges of said saddle member, said arm members having inwardly extending upper extremities which are adapted to grip the cake of soap, the edges of said extremities being the only portion of said members which will contact with the soap, inwardly extending portions on the lower ends of said arm m mbers, means for causing the upper extremities on said arms to move closer together or to move further apart, said means comprising a shaft operatively connected to said inwardly extending portions on the lower ends of the arm members, said shaft extending down through said base and having-means on its lower end by which it may be turned, said last-named means being disposed upwardly within the lower end of said base member.

2. A soap holder comprising a base member adapted to serve as a handle member, said base member having a chamber formed therein and being of such a structure and such a weight that it may be disposed in an upright position without tipping when a cake of soap is mounted thereon. A sadde member on the upper end of said base member adapted to support the cake of soap, said saddle member having two of its side edges spaced from the walls of said chamber in said base member so that a pair of slots is formed therebetween, the edges of said saddle member adjacent said slots being downwardly and inwardly inclined, a pair of arm members extending down through said slots into said chamber and being inclined substantially at the same degree as the said edges of said saddle member, said arm members having inwardly extending upper extremities which are adapted to grip the cake of soap, the edges of said extremities being the only portions of said members which will contact with the soap, inwardly extending portions on the lower ends of said arm members and means operatively connected to said inwardly extending portions on the lower ends of said arm members for causing the upper extremities on said arm members to move closer together or to move further apart.

3. A soap holder comprising a base member adapted to serve as a handle member, said base member having a chamber formed therein and being of such a structure and such a weight that it may be disposed in an upright position without tipping when a cake of soap is mounted thereon, a saddle member on the upper end of said base member adapted to support the cake of soap, means for holding the cake of soap on said saddle member, said means comprising a pair of arms which project above said saddle member and extend downwardly through a pair of openings into said chamber, and means operatively connected to the lower ends of said arm members for causing them to grip the soap or to release it, said means being adapted to draw said arms downwardly and to cause them to move closer together so that they will grip the soap or to move them upwardly and cause them to move further apart so that they will release the cake of soap.

4. A soap holder comprising a base member adapted to serve as a handle member, said base member having a chamber formed therein and being of such a structure and such a weight that it may be disposed in an upright position without tipping when a cake of soap is mounted thereon, a member on the upper end of said base member on which the soap is adapted to rest, means for holding the soap on said member, said means comprising arm members which project above said soap supporting member and which extend down into said chamber, and means operatively connected to the lower ends of said arm members and adapted to be operated to cause said arm members to grip the cake of soap or to release the cake of soap, said last-named means being adapted to be operated from a point at the lower end of said base member.

5. A soap holder comprising a handle member, a member for supporting a cake or" soap on said handle member, means for holding the cake of soap on said last-named member, said means comprising gripping members adjustable to grip the cake of soap or to release it, said gripping members being operable from a point at the end of the handle opposite to the end on which the soap is mounted.

6. A soap holder for a cake of soap which is of substantially circular form and which is greater in diameter than it is in thickness, said holder comprising a base member adapted to serve as a handle member, and being of sufficient height that it may be readily gripped in the hand, said base member being of angular cross-section and gradually increasing in cross-sectional area from its upper end to its lower end, said base member being of such a structure and of such a weight that it may be disposed in upright position without tipping when said cake of soap is mounted thereon, said circular cake of soap being adapted to be supported on the upper end or" said base member in a vertical position with its edge resting on the upper end thereof, and means for retaining the circular cake of soap in the indicated position on the upper end of said base member, said means extending from the upper end of said base member and projecting thereabove, and a portion of said means being adapted to extend into said cake of soap to hold it firmly in position on said base member.

'7. A soap holder for a cake of soap comprising a base member adapted to serve as a handle member, and being much greater in height than its greatest cross-sectional dimension so that it may be readily gripped in the hand, said base member being of such a structure and of such a weight that it may be disposed in upright position without tipping when said cake of soap is mounted thereon, said cake of soap being adapted to rest on the upper end of said base member, and means for retaining the said cake of soap on the upper end of said base member, said means extending from the upper end of said base memher and projecting thereabove, and a portion of said means being adapted to extend into said cake of soap to hold it firmly in position on the upper end of said base member.

FRANK B. MORRISON. 

